HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TEST (HSAT)

 

The CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT) is the PreACT 9 Secure. Students take the HSAT during 8th grade, and the results may be used to determine eligibility and admission for Selective Enrollment and certain Choice high school programs.

 

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

 

Current CPS students, including Garvy 8th graders, will take the HSAT at their school during the regular school day.

Students only take the HSAT one time. Retakes are not permitted.

 

The PreACT 9 Secure takes approximately 2½ hours and includes four sections:

English: 35 minutes | 44 questions
Math: 45 minutes | 34 questions
Reading: 40 minutes | 33 questions
Science: 35 minutes | 32 questions

 

For GoCPS programs that use a points-based selection process, a student’s admissions score is calculated using:

50% final 7th-grade grades
50% HSAT score

Students can earn up to 640 total points:

Up to 320 points from 7th-grade grades
Up to 320 points from the HSAT

HSAT points are calculated using the student’s PreACT 9 Secure Composite Score. The highest possible Composite Score is 32.

 

Individual Choice programs may use HSAT results differently, so families should review the eligibility and selection criteria for each program they are considering.

 

CPS does not sponsor or recommend specific commercial HSAT preparation programs.

Because the HSAT is now the PreACT 9 Secure, families can access free preparation materials through ACT to become familiar with the test and the types of questions students may encounter.

 

Free Resource: Preparing for the PreACT 9 Secure – ACT

 

Students with an IEP or 504 Plan that provides testing accommodations should make sure their accommodations are current before the HSAT testing date.

Students who qualify for the DLM-AA are not required to take the HSAT, but they may choose to participate.

Families with questions about testing accommodations may contact the GoCPS Testing Team at [email protected]

 

Some Choice high school programs require an additional admissions screening, such as an audition or portfolio review.

Families should review the requirements for each program on the school’s CPS profile and through the GoCPS application. If a required screening is not completed, the student will not be considered for admission to that program.